Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common. STIs are passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral and anal sex. STIs are preventable and there are many ways to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STIs. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.  

HIV is also an STI, but it’s managed a little bit differently. There are effective treatments, prevention options, and specialized services and support in Vermont, including free and confidential testing. Anyone can get HIV, but some people have a higher risk based on behaviors, exposures, and access to services. 

Not sure how to start the conversation? 

It can feel awkward to talk about sexual health with your partners or with your health care provider. Speaking up about things like your status, testing and HIV prevention options can help make the best decisions for your situation. 

Get conversation tips here

NOTE: The message at the top of certain CDC web pages regarding what the federal administration calls "gender ideology" does not reflect the views of the Vermont Department of Health. The Health Department will continue to collect data and share guidance for people of all identities to promote the physical, mental and social well-being of all people in Vermont. 

Symptoms

Most STIs have no signs or symptoms. You or your partner could have an STI and not know it. The only way to know your status is to get tested.  

When symptoms do occur, they vary by type of infection. Symptoms may include unusual discharge, pain when peeing or during sex, sores, blisters, warts, or rashes in the genital or anal area, itching or irritation, fever, or sore throat. 

Learn more about these common STIs and their symptoms: 

Prevention

There are steps you can take to lower your STI exposure:

  • Get vaccinated. Some STIs are vaccine preventable: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). Learn how to access vaccines here. 
  • Know and talk to your sex partners. 
  • Get tested regularly.
  • Use condoms.
  • Abstain from vaginal, anal or oral sex. Abstinence prevents STIs and allows you to be sexually active when the time is right for you. 

Testing 

How often you should get tested for STIs depends on your age, sexual activity, and other risk factors. Ask your health care provider to help you determine how often you should get tested and check out the recommendations from CDC.

You can get tested at your primary health care provider's office or Planned Parenthood.

Everyone ages 13 to 64 years should be tested at least once for HIV. 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There is currently no cure for HIV. But with effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and provide protection to their partners.

HIV is passed from person to person primarily through unprotected sex and sharing injection equipment and needles. Someone can spread HIV to their baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. In Vermont, men who have sex with men and heterosexual women have a higher risk of getting HIV.  

Symptoms of HIV

Some people with HIV have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. 

If you do get symptoms, they usually occur within two to four weeks after infection and may last for a few days or several weeks. Symptoms may include: 

  • Sore throat
  • Fever 
  • Swollen lymph nodes 
  • Rash
  • Muscle aches 
  • Night sweats 
  • Mouth ulcers 
  • Chills 
  • Fatigue 

HIV Prevention 

Many prevention steps – like condom use, testing, and reducing the number of partners – protect against both HIV and other STIs. However, HIV has additional tools that make it unique.   

Certain Sexual Activities 

These body fluids can transmit HIV: semen, vaginal or rectal fluids, blood, human milk, and pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum).  

There is little to no chance of getting HIV through oral sex. HIV is not spread through spit, tears, sweat, hugging, and closed mouth kissing. It’s also not spread through sharing dishes, shaking hands, sharing toilet seats, and through the air.

Safer Injection Practices 

Located in several communities across Vermont, Syringe Service Programs offer free and confidential services. You can get sterile syringes and supplies, safely dispose used equipment, access overdose prevention resources, and connect to health care and treatment for substance use. People who use SSP services are protected under Vermont’s paraphernalia law. SSPs are proven to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and save lives. See the table below for SSPs in Vermont.

Sterile syringes may be sold at pharmacies throughout Vermont without a prescription. However, individual pharmacists may choose not to sell them.

Areas Served Name Mobile or fixed site
Bennington and Windham CountyAIDS Project of Southern VermontMobile and fixed site 
Chittenden CountyHoward Center Safe RecoveryMobile and fixed site 
Orange and Windsor County, select NH countiesHIV/HCV Resource CenterMobile 
Orleans, Essex, Caledonia, Orange, Washington, Lamoille, Addison, Rutland, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle CountyVermont CARESMobile and fixed site

Prevent HIV Before Exposure (HIV PrEP)

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication you can take to prevent HIV before you’re exposed. PrEP may be a good option if you have a higher chance of being exposed to HIV. It’s most effective when taken as prescribed, usually as a daily pill, and works best when used along with other prevention methods like condoms. You can get PrEP from most providers and don’t need to see a specialist. 

Learn more about preventing HIV with PrEP 

Prevent HIV After a Possible Exposure (PEP)

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medication you take after a possible exposure to HIV to help prevent infection. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure and is only used in emergency situations. Talk to a health care provider right away if you may have been exposed to HIV through sex, sharing needles or injection equipment, or sexual assault. You can contact your provider, go to an urgent care clinic, or visit an emergency room.

Learn more about preventing HIV with PEP

HIV Testing

Many HIV infections happen because people don't know they have HIV. For those who don't know their HIV status, testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and reducing the spread of HIV. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once, and people with certain risk factors should get tested more often. 

Free and Confidential Testing in Non-medical Settings

Some people may want to get tested in a setting other than a traditional health care provider’s office. The community organizations listed below offer free HIV testing in a safe and confidential environment. Call ahead to make an appointment, but some locations offer drop-in testing. 

Organization Areas Served
AIDS Project of Southern Vermont – A regional AIDS service organization providing direct services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and HIV prevention services to those at most risk in southern VermontBennington County, southern Windsor County and Windham County  
HIV/HCV Resource Center – Provides direct services to support people affected by HIV, hepatitis C and substance useLebanon, NH (Serving Orange and Windsor County, VT; Coos, Grafton, and Sullivan County, NH)
Vermont CARES – Provides life-saving harm reduction services, education, and resources to Vermonters affected by HIV, Hepatitis C and substance use by increasing access to care, reducing social stigmas and building relationships
Berlin, Burlington, Rutland, St. Johnsbury 
Twin States Network – Provides peer support, wellness retreats, support groups and financial support to those living with HIVCaledonia County 

You can also call the Health Department at 802-863-7240 or email Daniel Daltry, HIV/AIDS/STD/Hepatitis Program Chief, to get a free, confidential, rapid HIV test. 

After you get your HIV test results

If your result is positive: You’ll need a follow-up test to confirm. If confirmed, start HIV treatment and care as soon as possible. Treatment can help you stay healthy and prevent spreading HIV to others. The Vermont Department of Health will connect you to care and help you acquire the resources you need.  

  • People living with HIV should take medicine to treat HIV (anti-retroviral therapy or ART). HIV medicine reduces the amount of HIV in the body (viral load). This means you won’t spread HIV to your partners and will prevent you from developing AIDS. Learn more about treatment as prevention. 

If your result is negative: You may need to test again after the “window period” if you were recently exposed. Continue taking steps to prevent HIV, consider going on PReP (link to prep section above), and get tested regularly if you have ongoing risk. 

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